I try so hard to be upbeat. Sometimes I think I try too hard. There are events where I leave drained from trying to keep a smile pasted to my face. But I would rather be that annoyingly happy person than the one is is an energy suck with negativity.In Bossypants, Tina Fey says, ““Whatever the problem, be part of the solution. Don’t just sit around raising questions and pointing out obstacles.” It’s a variation of inspirational lines I’ve been spoon-fed since childhood, but I totally buy into it.

My variation of the saying is: You are only allowed to complain about something if you’re actively trying to fix it.

It’s basically permission to whine about whatever you want as long as you’re participating in problem-solving. As well as permission to say to everyone who isn’t trying to fix things, “Shove it. Stop complaining. Shut up.”

I’ll be the first to admit that this is a little self-serving. I have a tendency to over-volunteer for things. To speak up if I have an idea for ways something can be improved. I’m trying to learn to stop raising my hand quite so much, because it results in a lot of extra work.

The other option I’ve been employing for taking care of negativity, is surrounding myself with funny. On my commute to and from work, and while I get ready in the morning, I listen to Professor Blastoff and I laugh and laugh. On the way to work I pass a lot of kids walking to school and parents taking their kids to daycare. The tiny kids see my laughing in my car and seem to assume I’m smiling at them so they all wave to me. It’s very sweet. Wonder Boy and I have unsubscribed to some of the more negative shows on our DVR (What happened to you, Parenthood???) opting instead for lighter comedies or shows about murder and crime that I somehow enjoy.

Being forcedly upbeat and trying to laugh… It doesn’t solve all of the negativity around me, but it’s a start.

I’m aiming for this level of laughter. Out of frame in this image is the kangaroo
eating out of my hand, which, for some reason, sent me into hysterics.
This post originally appeared on Kate’s Point of View. © Kate. All rights reserved.